Moderator's diary
During their year in office, the Moderator visits two Church of Scotland Presbyteries; travels to partner churches overseas; represents the Church of Scotland on historic and national occasions; supports the work of Committees, congregations and organisations; and meets with interfaith and ecumenical bodies.
Below are details of the engagements in the moderatorial diary this month.
- 1 May 2025
The Moderator will attend a Memorial Mass for Pope Francis, which is being held in Motherwell.
- 2 May 2025
The Moderator will meet with the Leader of South Lanarkshire Council.
- 4 May 2025
The Moderator will preach at Christ Church Morningside, a Scottish Episcopal Church in Edinburgh.
- 6 May 2025
The Moderator will meet with the Church of Scotland’s Chief Officer.
- 7 May 2025
In the morning, the Moderator will visit “Loaves and Fishes”, a Food Bank based in East Kilbride. In the afternoon, Dr Paterson will attend the launch of Strathaven Heart for Art Project, a CrossReach initiative promoting creativity amongst those living with dementia.
- 8 May 2025
The Moderator will be part of the faith leaders procession at a Service of Thanksgiving being held in Westminster Abbey to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. The service will be attended by members of the Royal Family and broadcast by the BBC.
- 11 May 2025
The Moderator will preach and lead the children's talk at Brussels St Andrew's, as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of their building, which was established for the surviving Scottish soldiers who remained in Brussels after the First World War.
- 12 May 2025
The Moderator will be a Dinner guest at Carluke Rotary Club, speaking on "the work of the Church".
- 13 May 2025
The Moderator will visit HM Naval Base Clyde, to meet with the chaplain and those working at Faslane.
- 14 May 2025
- The Moderator will return to his former Primary School in Holytown, to lead an Assembly and meet with pupils and staff.
- 15 May 2025
The Moderator will be the Guest Speaker at Edinburgh Rotary Club.
- 16 May 2025
The Moderator will attend an Arrival Parade, Ceremony of the Keys and Tea Party hosted by the Lord High Commissioner in Holyrood Palace, to mark the beginning of General Assembly week.